Our "Best Friend" Honored Volunteer

What programs and projects do you volunteer with at Best Friends LA?
I love to go to the mobile adoption events and even if the adoption doesn't happen, I know the dog has had a good day away from the stress of the shelter. I also participate on the Enrichment Hikes, NKLA Super Adoptions, have bottle fed the kittens and helped out with various projects at the center when my time permits.   

Why do you choose to volunteer with Best Friends LA?
I love Best Friends' Mission, the staff and fellow volunteers, and the way it supports its coalition partners.

How long have you been a Best Friends LA volunteer?
I started volunteering in January of 2012 before the first animals were brought to the shelter. My husband and I built some of the dog beds for the kennels. 

What type of fun stuff do you do when you're not volunteering? 
I am the Financial Controller for a large commercial Electrical Contractor. I've been married to a fantastic guy, Craig, for 34 years and have two grown sons. I love to cook, garden, wine taste, and travel. I am blessed to have many wonderful friends.

Do you have a favorite story to share about an experience volunteering with Best Friends LA? 
About a year and half ago, while at a mobile adoption in Camarillo an elderly women fell in love with a little Terrier Mix named Flora. There was an instant connection between the two and after talking to her, I knew she would provide Flora with the perfect home. We had a special going at the time but she only had a credit card and no cash. She left in search of a way to get cash but didn't know her pin on her debit card and the banks were closed. She was beside herself. Since I felt she'd give Flora such a great home, I offered to pay her adoption fee. She took my address and told me she would send me a check. A few days later, I received a check for double the amount that I loaned her and a note to tell me that "Princess" (AKA Flora) was absolutely the sweetest dog and how grateful she was to have her.  I wrote her back to let her know that the extra funds were donated to "Strut Your Mutt", so she would be helping other animals find homes.

Do you have any pets?
We have three dogs that are spoiled rotten. Petey is a little Schnauzer mix, who is 17 1/2 and the boss in our household. Two are red pitties, Remington and Reba. Reba was among some of the first lucky dogs pulled by Best Friends. She was taken to every mobile and was the best ambassador for her breed but no one was adopting her. We decided to foster her which led us to fail. Her adoption was processed a few months later!

What others are saying about Kym:
"Whenever I see that Kym has signed up for a mobile event I feel confident that I can rely on her to help me with anything that comes our way. She is able to handle any dog that I bring her and she is knowledgeable about proper training and handling practices. She is willing to take on any task I ask of her and I feel at ease knowing she is there helping out." - Christine Quesada, Mobile Adoptions Lead